FOOTBALLReal Madrid vs Villarreal prediction
The context
Real Madrid return to La Liga action after the international break with a clear mission: to bounce back. Beaten 2-1 by Atlético in the derby on the last matchday, Los Blancos dropped to fourth place, six points behind unbeaten leaders Barcelona. A win at the Bernabéu against Villarreal is essential to keep pace with Barça.
Team form
Despite two defeats, Real Madrid remain one of the league's top attacks, with 18 goals in seven games, led by Kylian Mbappé (7 goals).
Villarreal, on the other hand, are having a very difficult start to the season: just one win, two draws and four defeats, conceding 17 goals. The Yellow Submarine, who are also in the Champions League, are struggling to find their rhythm in the league.
Our verdict
At home, against struggling opponents and needing to respond after the derby, Real Madrid have everything in their favour. We back a Real Madrid win with high confidence.